Braun: "Wouldn't trade it for the world"

New York - Milwaukee's Ryan Braun has a whole new appreciation for All-Star Home Run Derby after finishing fourth in the competition tonight at Yankee Stadium.

Here are some things he had to say:

"That was a phenomenal display by Josh Hamilton," said Braun, referring to the Texas outfielder who hit 28 first-round homers yet finished second to Minnesota's Justin Morneau.

"Home Run Derby is about putting on a show for the fans. Josh definitely won that competition."

Boosted by his record total of 28 homers in the first round (Bobby Abreu hit 24 in 2005), Hamilton intentionally shortened his second round and still finished with a total of 35 home runs. Morneau, on the other hand, tallied 22 homers.

But, under rules of the Derby, the two finalists start over from scratch in the final round. At that point, Hamilton had 32 homers and Morneau 17.

"We were going by the rules," said Morneau, the last player added to the Derby. "(Hamilton) is the story of this year. I was kind of cheering for him. At the same time, I've dreamed since I was a kid about winning Home Run Derby."

Hamilton was obviously weary in the final round, using up four of his 10 "outs" among his first five swings, then making five "outs" in succession to end it. Any ball that didn't go over the fence was an "out."

"You don't think you're tired, then you realize you are," said Hamilton. "I guess I used it all up in the first round."

Braun was pleased it into the second round, finishing among the top four of the eight contestants. He bowed out with 14 home runs, slugging seven in each round.

"I was a little nervous at first," said Braun, who made six "outs" in Round 1 before hitting his first homer. "People don't realize how difficult it is, standing out there by yourself with no (batting) cage.

"I was exhausted and I only hit 14 homers. Josh hit about 70. I can only imagine how tired he was. But it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I wouldn't trade it for the world."

(blogs.jsonline.com)